May River Montessori celebrates 25 years

JESSICAH PETERS

Sunday

Mar 10, 2013 at 12:10 AM

Three Bluffton mothers concerned for their children's education decided they wanted to make a difference. Mary Vaux, Nancy Golson and Anolyn Terefenko launched the May River Montessori that this year celebrates 25 years in Bluffton.

The school started with just 16 students.

In 1986 when May River Academy combined with Sea Pines Academy to form Hilton Head Preparatory School, Golson and Vaux were determined to give their children a community Montessori school.

"We didn't want to make that drive every day with a 3-year-old and a first-grader," Golson said. "So we pushed for a school in Bluffton and it began with us three meeting in the parking lot every day, brainstorming of how we were going to do this."

Vaux's husband, Roberts Vaux, had bought the land on S.C. 46 where Pepper's Porch restaurant is now. With an old building, the women knew that renovations were necessary.

"We ended up having a lot of people helping, volunteering over several months to get ready for 16 3- and 4-year-olds and a teacher from Ohio who had never been to South Carolina. That was the beginning and from that point on, it just grew a little bit each year," Vaux said.

Golson was waitressing at her husband's new restaurant, Charlie's L'étoile Verte and asked all her regular customers to donate what they could.

"I asked them if they had any cabinets or flat out if they had any money to help us with the school," she said. "Finding a location was the hardest struggle."

With no teaching experience, Vaux and Golson made it work with the support of the community. Starting with their own children, the two now have grandchildren who attend the school.

"It's amazing to see all the cars out there now. I used to know all the students and parents but now I hardly know any," Golson said, who runs Eggs 'N' Tricities across the street from May River Montessori.

In its 25th year, the school has expanded to 160 students. Educating students from two years old to fifth-grade, May River Montessori supports each individual's unique development.

Montessori programs are based on self-directed, noncompetitive activities to help children develop strong self-images and confidence to face challenges.

Sharon Haag became director of May River Montessori 15 years ago after teaching at Sea Pines Montessori.

"I originally came for an interview for a teacher position, but was asked to be the director," Haag said. "The school has made huge leaps since starting 25 years ago. With 160 students, we're part of the community. It helps that Mary and Nancy have remained on the board and involved. We've created a school that will last beyond us and it's funny to know that it all started in the parking lot."

To celebrate the success of the school, May River Montessori hosted numerous events to gather previous and current students. In September, parents and students kicked off the year with a birthday cake.

In November, a pancake breakfast gathered many alumni, reconnecting and sharing memories of the past 25 years. At the annual Jingle Mingle event, the founders were honored.

As re-enrollment closes for the 2013-14 school year, parents and students can expect new renovations to the building.

"We've received a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry which will help us with renovations to the main building," Haag said.

May River Montessori continues to grow and educate the children of not only Bluffton but also Hilton Head, Savannah and Beaufort.

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